Description
This Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet, resulting in a tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized pork loin. The Coca-Cola marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with a unique sweetness that complements the savory notes of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and spices. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe that delivers impressive results, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of Southern hospitality with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 lb pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (the real deal, not diet!)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for searing (see Tips)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin. Start by removing the pork loin from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear, if you choose to sear it (see optional tip below). Excess moisture will prevent the meat from browning properly. Season the pork loin generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s the foundation of the pork’s flavor.
Step 2: Create the Coca-Cola Marinade. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the Coca-Cola, packed light brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure that the brown sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced flavor profile – the Coca-Cola provides sweetness and caramelization, the soy sauce adds umami and depth, the Dijon mustard contributes a tangy bite, the apple cider vinegar offers a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness, and the garlic and onion powders add aromatic complexity.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork Loin. Place the seasoned pork loin in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the Coca-Cola marinade over the pork loin, ensuring that it is completely coated. If using a plastic bag, press out any excess air and seal tightly. If using a dish, turn the pork loin several times to ensure even coverage. Refrigerate the pork loin for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the pork loin marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. During the marinating process, the Coca-Cola’s acids and enzymes work to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Turn the pork loin occasionally during the marinating process to ensure that all sides are evenly exposed to the marinade.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven. When you’re ready to cook the pork loin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure that your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven. While the oven is preheating, remove the pork loin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the pork loin cook more evenly.
Step 5: Roast the Pork Loin. Transfer the pork loin from the marinade to a roasting pan. Pour the remaining marinade over the pork loin. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork loin to accurately measure the internal temperature. Basting is a critical step.
Step 6: Baste and Caramelize. During the roasting process, baste the pork loin with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes. Basting helps to keep the pork loin moist and adds to the caramelization of the glaze. The sugars in the Coca-Cola and brown sugar will gradually caramelize, creating a beautiful, glossy finish on the pork loin.
Step 7: Rest and Slice. Once the pork loin has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the pork loin loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Slicing the pork loin against the grain will also help to maximize tenderness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet and savory creates a unique and unforgettable flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Tender and Juicy: The Coca-Cola marinade tenderizes the pork, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Impressive Presentation: The caramelized glaze gives the pork loin a beautiful, glossy appearance that will wow your guests.
- Versatile: This pork loin can be served in a variety of ways, from sliced as a main course to shredded for sandwiches or tacos.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve sliced pork loin with the pan juices spooned over the top.
- Pair it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or coleslaw.
- Shred the pork and use it to make pulled pork sandwiches or tacos.
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips:
- Searing for Extra Flavor: For an even richer flavor, sear the pork loin on all sides in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil before placing it in the roasting pan. This will create a beautiful crust and enhance the overall taste.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade.
- Adding Spice: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Marinating Time: While 4 hours is the minimum marinating time, marinating overnight will yield the best results.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork loin is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Pan Sauce Variations: You can thicken the pan sauce by simmering it in a saucepan over medium heat after removing the pork loin from the pan. Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering sauce and whisk until thickened.
- Adding Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions alongside the pork loin will create a complete and flavorful meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 1.5 – 2 hours Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information: (Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 400-500mg per serving (depending on the soy sauce used)
Conclusion
The Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its unique blend of sweet and savory, combined with the tenderness of the pork, makes it a truly unforgettable dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and presentation. Give it a try and experience the taste of Southern hospitality in your own home!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use Diet Coke instead of regular Coca-Cola?
A: While you can use Diet Coke, I strongly recommend using regular Coca-Cola for this recipe. The sugars in regular Coca-Cola are essential for caramelization and creating that beautiful, glossy glaze. Diet Coke uses artificial sweeteners that don’t caramelize in the same way, resulting in a different flavor and appearance. The regular coke breaks down and creates an amazing flavour.
Q2: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is typically made without wheat. Always check the label to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Q3: Can I cook this pork loin in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Place the marinated pork loin in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork loin is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Be aware that the glaze will not caramelize in the same way as in the oven, but the pork will still be flavorful and tender. I would recommend transferring the juices to a saucepan after cooking to create a gravy!
Q4: What is the best way to reheat leftover Coca-Cola Pork Loin?
A: The best way to reheat leftover Coca-Cola Pork Loin is to slice it thinly and reheat it in a skillet with a little of the pan juices over low heat. This will help to prevent the pork from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Add a little water or broth to the dish to keep the pork moist.
Q5: Can I freeze leftover Coca-Cola Pork Loin?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Coca-Cola Pork Loin. Allow the pork to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.
